Villas-Boas told reporters: "When you reach an agreement with a player that is a free transfer in the summer, there is always that possibility, but it is not something we are looking to do."

Concerning possible outgoings, Villas-Boas insisted that it was "impossible" for William Gallas to leave in the near future after the defender was sent to a French clinic in an attempt to solve a persistent calf injury.

The one-time England international made 38 appearances for the north London side under Redknapp last season, but has fallen behind Sandro, Tom Huddlestone and summer arrival Mousa Dembele this season, with fellow midfielder Scott Parker also recently returning to full fitness – with Livermore restricted to just 10 outings this term.

"There is a couple of possibilities for Jake to get a loan deal," Villas-Boas said.

"We are pretty happy with how he trains and how professional he has been but he hasn't had a lot of [playing] time.